This is a 1953 Epiphone Zephyr.  I purchased this guitar 3 years ago. The owner prior to me purchased from archtop.com in Seattle, WA. It plays beautifully and is a very nice guitar. When I buy a guitar I typically bring to a luthier to check it out and the luthier was impressed. I've only lightly played it in my home so the condition is the same as when I purchased it. I'm eventually moving and need to clear out my stuff. I'm going to give you the highlights of previous owner since he did the work on the guitar.

* The guitar has a superb fret job, nut and set-up (from Ross Jennings before he retired)

* The "New York" Tone Spectrum pickups were a little weak, (this happens with some of these pickups) so he had Tom Brantley do a rewind on them.  So, besides being a gorgeous blonde, she is in top playing shape.
* This is a true archtop, although it is a laminate top, not a carved top. In spite of being a laminate top, it is as loud as most flattop acoustics.  Being maple, the tone is bright, but very classy; kind of a western swing sound. Ross Jennings remarked on the unusual volume this guitar. Actually, this is louder than most flattops. and being brighter, will cut through any campsite guitar circle for some great flat picking.  
* And in terms of vintage aesthetics, the finish on this guitar is perfect: not high gloss as the new Zephyrs are, but a beautiful smooth patina that reflects its authentic pedigree. Tons of mojo. 

* I do not know if the case is original, but I consider that likely. It’s a bit battered, but still functional; handle and buckles are good, interior compartment works well. 

Below is the description with notes written by the folks at Archtop.com:

 “Description:

Serial #: 66833, blue New York label

Body size at lower bout: 17 3/8" Scale length: 25 1/2". Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .91/1.16, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Arched maple laminate body; solid cherry neck with walnut centerstripe; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with split-block fingerboard inlays; bound body and fingerboard; stained holly headstock veneer with enamel shield peghead logo.

Hardware: Original nickel hardware includes adjustable single coil 'Tone Spectrum' pickup, 16:1 epsilon logo tuners, trapeze tailpiece, hex-key adjustable truss rod. Vintage correct tortoise pickguard with epsilon logo, adjustable rosewood bridge, vintage style 'chicken head' control knobs.

Notes: It's widely acknowledged that for the ultimate in archtop resonance and projection, nothing can surpass the traditional full depth, non-cutaway body. Which is why it's puzzling to consider how scarce these classic models have become over the last half century. And why we are so pleased to be able to offer this veteran model, for those seeking true vintage bop era tone.

Produced from 1939 to 1956, the Epiphone Zephyr was the firm's longest lasting and most popular electric guitar. Epi's workhorse professional model, the Zephyr was positioned against its main competitor, the Gibson ES-150. Featuring a slightly wider body than its Gibson rival, the Zephyr was equipped with a variety of electronics, the last and most popular being the 'Tone Spectrum' adjustable single coil, more commonly known as the 'New York' pickup today. This handsome blonde example from 1953 would be one of the earliest with the truss rod mounted in the peghead as well.

The guitar is in fine original condition, with no cracks or repairs, and all its original natural finish intact. The electronics work flawlessly, and the neck profile is quite contemporary, and distinctly less clubby than Gibsons of the era. The slab cut maple laminate body provides fat tone, improved feedback resistance, and superior durability over carved guitars as well. The original lacquer finish is in excellent condition, free of pick or buckle wear, and showing only the smooth thumbwear of an instrument well played and well loved.

At barely 6lb [actually 7 lb by my scale RKS] in total, the guitar is happily lightweight and well balanced, particularly for a full depth 17" auditorium size instrument. The action is low and smooth, with a fresh high-precision setup, and the original single-coil pickup is clear and detailed. Original nickel hardware is augmented by a vintage correct tortoise pickguard made from an original template, an adjustable rosewood bridge, and 40's style 'chicken head' pointer knobs.

A classic jazzer from the bop era, the Zephyr is the outstanding value in a true New York Epi. “

No international sales or shipping. Sales and shipping to lower continental USA states only. Shipping will be a flat rate of $100.   I am set up for Reverb payment. Immediate payment expected. Feel free to ask any questions or request additional photos.